Can for ability

Can and can't for ability: positive, negative, questions and short answers

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1. 1
   Multiple choice

   My sister swim very well.

   cancanscan to'Can' is the same for all persons and never takes -s.
2. 2
   Multiple choice

   I can the guitar.

   playto playplayingAfter 'can' we use the base verb without 'to'.
3. 3
   Multiple choice

   you ride a bike? — Yes, I can.

   DoCanAreTo ask about ability, we put 'can' before the subject.
4. 4
   Multiple choice

   Can he cook? — No, he .

   can'tdoesn'tisn'tThe short answer to a 'can' question uses 'can' or 'can't'.
5. 5
   Fill the gap

   Birds fly, but penguins can't.

   cancan'tareWe use 'can' for things we are able to do.
6. 6
   Fill the gap

   I (not) sing. My voice is terrible!

   Answer: can'tAlso accepted: cannot, can notThe negative of 'can' is 'can't' (cannot).
7. 7
   Fill the gap

   you play chess? — Yes, I can.

   Answer: CanQuestions about ability start with 'Can'.
8. 8
   Fill the gap

   She can three languages.

   speakspeaksto speakAfter 'can' the verb has no -s and no 'to'.
9. 9
   Fill the gap

   Can your dog swim? — Yes, it .

   Answer: canThe positive short answer is 'Yes, it can'.
10. 10
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'He cans ride a horse.'

    Answer: False'Can' never takes -s: 'He can ride a horse.'
11. 11
    Discussion question

    What can you do well? What can't you do?

    Sample answer: I can cook and I can swim well. I can't dance and I can't play the piano.
12. 12
    Discussion question

    Can anyone in your family speak other languages?

    Sample answer: Yes, my mother can speak German. My brother can speak a little Spanish, but he can't speak Chinese.